Ontario Snake Habitat Course
About the Course
The Ontario Snake Habitat Course is a hybrid training program offered in collaboration between Blazing Star Environmental and Toadally Restored, combining online learning with hands-on field experience at host sites across Ontario. Designed for environmental professionals, landowners, conservation practitioners, and students, the course provides practical skills and applied knowledge to support snake conservation and habitat restoration in real-world settings. Through virtual lessons, field demonstrations, and interactive habitat creation activities, participants gain experience assessing habitat conditions, identifying restoration opportunities, and implementing effective habitat enhancements. Field locations vary across Ontario based on local collaborators, host properties, and restoration opportunities, exposing participants to a diversity of landscapes, species, and ecological challenges. Credit Valley Conservation is the host partner for the 2026 course, providing the setting for this year’s hands-on field component.
Course topics and activities include:
-
Snake ecology and habitat requirements
-
Habitat assessment and restoration planning
-
Regulatory and permitting considerations
-
Hands-on demonstrations of hibernaculum construction and nest cage installation
-
Learning Objectives
-
This course is grounded in applied ecology and best management practices, with a strong focus on regulatory context, habitat function, and field implementation.
Key learning objectives include:
-
Understanding ecological importance of Ontario’s snakes, best management practices, and implementation of the Species Conservation Act.
-
Navigating permitting and regulatory considerations related to habitat work.
-
Identifying, assessing, and minimizing impacts to key snake habitats.
-
Designing, constructing, implementing, and evaluating habitat features to address ecological needs and habitat gaps.
-
Monitoring habitat effectiveness and applying adaptive management principles.
-
Using best management practice resources to support informed habitat creation and regulatory compliance.
Interested in hosting the Ontario Snake Habitat Course?
Whether you’re a private landowner, restoration practitioner, or conservation organization, hosting the course means receiving expertly guided snake habitat creation on your property at no cost to you, while helping build knowledge and capacity for snake conservation in Ontario.
2026 Course
Location: Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville
Course Dates:
Virtual Sessions: October 21, 28 & November 4 (6-8 PM)
Field Days: November 7 & 8
Cost: $1300 + HST
Please note: pricing may vary slightly year to year.
To help address barriers faced by underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and students, we are offering three (3) discounted registrations at $1,000 + HST.
Registration details coming soon! Sign up for our email list to be the first to know when registration opens: Link to email sign up list
Steering Committee and Instructors
Instructors vary from year to year, depending on course location and instructor availability
Principal | Blazing Star Environmental
Ecologist | Blazing Star Environmental
Principal | Toadally Restored
Ontario Herpetologist
Principal | G.G. Beck Ecological Consulting
Past Courses
2025 Course
Ten participants completed the course in southwestern Ontario on private property.